Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

226 SECTION TACTICS/ TWOVERSUS-ONE
radically in an apparent effort to scramble back into position after a section
change in direction.
Quite often there will be some altitude split between the fighters, and
typically the wingman will be the higher of the two, allowing himself
some energy margin which can be useful for maintaining position during
heavy maneuvering. When performing a diving attack, it is usually preferable
to hit the high bogey first, since it will take the low bogey longer to be
a threat because of its lower energy level. Diving on the high bogey also
allows the momentum of the attack to carry through the first target and
down onto the second. Additionally, this technique prevents the attacker
from ever being co-altitude with either bogey prior to the Attack, which
reduces his chances of being seen. Bogey visual lookout is normally best in
their altitude band.
As in most aspects of tactics, there is some difference of opinion about
whether to attack the leader or the wingman of a section.
If you attack a formation . . . that is deployed ... so that the risk in attacking
any one aircraft is equal, always take a crack at the one who appears to be
leading; he may be a big shot!
Group Captain Reade Tilley, RAF
The leader in most cases will be more experienced and more dangerous,
and therefore he will be the more valuable target; but he is also likely to be
harder to surprise. It is true that once the section leader has been eliminated
the wingman should be less effective as a single, making a double
score easier to achieve. If this particular leader keeps losing wingmen,
however, he will not be a leader very long, and he can be picked off after he
has been demoted to wingman.
The peacetime qualifications for promotion—age and seniority—do not apply
in war.
Air Vice-Marshal J. E. "Johnnie" Johnson, RAF
All else being equal, an attack from the right side of an enemy section is
often most effective. This is because the usual right-handed cockpit control
configuration of most fighter aircraft makes it more difficult for the
pilot to twist around to the right than to the left for visual lookout.
Defensive break turns to the right are also usually a little slower, for the
same reason.
Always attack a lone enemy fighter from slightly to starboard of dead astern,
as 95% of all pilots keep a better lookout to port, as it is natural to turn both
the aircraft and body to the left.
Group Captain Reade Tilley, RAF
When it is necessary to attack a section from below, the lower bogey is
normally the target of choice. It must be recognized, however, that the
higher bogey will have greater energy than the target and can become a
threat much faster. A climbing attack normally should not be made unless
the attacker can maintain a significant speed margin over the bogeys. Even
so, the singleton pilot should not plan to stay with the low bogey for more
than a quick, slashing attack before turning his attention to the high bogey.